Ontario SPCA seeks information from the public after neglected dog found wandering

Ontario SPCA seeks information from the public after neglected dog found wandering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Utterson, ON (April 11, 2018) – The Ontario SPCA is seeking information from the public about a dog suffering from severe neglect that was found wandering alone on March 26, 2018 on Highway 141 at Skeleton Lake Road 3 in the Utterson area.

A passerby saw the senior female Cocker Spaniel-type dog walking down the middle of the highway. The dog, which was wearing a blue nylon collar, had a matted black coat with overgrown nails that were curling, making it difficult for her to walk.

The dog was brought to the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre and staff noted an overpowering, foul-smelling discharge coming from the dog’s ears. She was immediately examined by a veterinarian, who determined the dog’s ears were so badly infected that her ear canals were swollen shut, causing her pain. As a result of uncontrolled infection and inflammation, the veterinarian determined the dog had suffered irreversible damage to her ear canals.

The examination also revealed the dog was suffering from severe dental decay and gingivitis. Lesions had formed on the dog’s lips as a result of rubbing against a thick layer of tartar coating her teeth. In addition to those health conditions, the dog was observed to be sight impaired and was also unable to open one eye, which was crusted shut with discharge. The veterinarian determined the dog was suffering from a severe and painful case of “dry eye.”

Sadly, due to the dog’s advanced neglect, her age and her poor prognosis for recovery as a result of her deteriorating condition, she was humanely euthanized at the recommendation of the treating veterinarian.

“We are asking anyone who has any information that could assist us in this investigation to come forward immediately,” says Alison Green, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “We want to determine who owned this dog and how it ended up in this grievous state of neglect.”

To report information that could assist in this investigation, call the Ontario SPCA’s province-wide animal cruelty hotline at 310-SPCA (7722), or email cruelty@ospca.on.ca. All calls are confidential.

Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is Ontario's animal welfare organization. A registered charity, the Society is comprised of close to 50 Communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first animal welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce animal welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA agents and inspectors with police powers to do so.